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Wednesday, 13 December 1911

Mr TUDOR (Yarra) (Minister of Trade and Customs) . - In other items with which we have just dealt, differentiation is made between ale and other liquors introduced inbottle and in bulk. I think that ales, spirits, and beverages which are imported in bottle should be subject to a higher rate of duty than are those which are imported in bulk. Even my honorable friends opposite would have been prepared, I think, to correct this anomaly.

Mr Fuller - Will the Minister tell us what were the imports last year, the countries from which they were imported, and also whether the proposed duty will not be equal to about 41 per cent. ?

Mr TUDOR - Last year, we imported 52,329 gallons. Of that quantity, 31,000 gallons came from the United Kingdom, and nearly 10,000 gallons of one line, and 5;300 gallons of another, from the West Indies. With the exception of small items, the rest of our importations came from the United States, and the total value increased from £6,300 in 1906 to £9,500 in 1910.

Sir William Lyne - I desire to know, Mr. Chairman, whether, after we have dealt with these items, the Minister would be in order in coming back and proposing any new item not covered by this schedule if I could succeed in inducing him to submit such a proposition?

The CHAIRMAN - lt would be open for the Minister to submit any new proposal by way of a new item after we had dealt with the remaining items. A private member would not be in order in doing so.

Mr Kelly - Do I understand that it would be contrary to the Standing Orders for a private member to propose an increase of duty, but that if,for instance, the honorable member for Hume desired to introduce the old Tariff with a view of proposing a. reduction of the duty, he would be in order in doing so?

The CHAIRMAN - Perfectly in order.

Mr Fenton - I understand that it is not competent for an honorable member to move an additional item or an increase on the duties submitted in the schedule. I presume, however, that an honorable member will be in order in making a suggestion to the Minister in regard to a new item.

The CHAIRMAN - An honorable member will be perfectly in order in making a suggestion to the Minister.

Item agreed to.

Division IV. - Agricultural Products and Groceries.

Items 42 (Stearine, &c.)' and 44 (Waxes) agreed to.

Item 54 -

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